Post-stroke shoulder pain is a major rehabilitation problem affecting moderate to severely impaired stroke survivors. Surface electrical stimulation (ES) of muscles surrounding the hemiparetic shoulder has been demonstrated to be beneficial, but despite the evidence for therapeutic benefit, the clinical implementation of surface ES for poststroke shoulder pain has been difficult. In order to address the limitations of surface ES, the investigative team pioneered the development of percutaneous intramuscular (IM) ES for the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain. However, prior to acceptance by the clinical community, additional gaps in the scientific and clinical knowledge need to be addressed. This study begins to do so. The primary objective is to estimate the relative pain reduction associated with IM ES vs. "usual care." We hypothesize that the IM ES group will exhibit a larger effect size with respect to pain reduction compared to "usual care". A secondary objective is to estimate the effect on health related QOL of IM ES vs. "usual care." Demonstration of improvement in QOL will validate the clinical relevance of the intervention. We hypothesize that the IM ES group will exhibit greater improvement in health related QOL compared to "usual care".

The IM ES Group will receive electrical stimulation treatment for three weeks (6 hrs daily) following a one week electrode stabilization period.

Device: Intramuscular Electrical Stimulator

A sterile percutaneous IM electrode is implanted in the shoulder using a 20-gauge hypodermic needle and connected to an external cable. The exit site and electrode are covered by a bandage, but the cable extends out. After a one week stabilization period, the cable is connected to a stimulator. A self-adhesive surface electrode serves as the indifferent electrode. Stimulation intensity is set by the investigator. The prescription for daily stimulation treatment will be 6 hrs. The duty cycle and daily dose will remain constant throughout the treatment, but stimulus parameters may be adjusted by the research staff as deemed appropriate. The treatment period will be 3 weeks, after which the electrode will be removed. Total time of electrode implantation is no more than 29 days.

Active Comparator: Usual Care (UC)

The Usual Care Group will receive outpatient therapy for four weeks, coupled with prescribed daily home exercises.

Other: Outpatient Therapy

Subjects will receive 8 hrs of outpatient therapy over a four week period from a treating therapist, coupled with prescribed daily home exercises. The therapist will implement an individualized treatment plan consistent with the needs of the participant.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

21 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

shoulder pain localized to the glenohumeral joint, subacromial area or deltoid insertion associated with any of the following conditions: a) rest; b) passive abduction or external rotation ROM; c) active abduction or external rotation ROM; or d) manual palpation

weakness of shoulder abductors (≤4/5 on MRC if isolated movement is present)

the following cardiac conditions: a) history of arrhythmia with hemodynamic instability, such as ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia and rapid ventricular response atrial fibrillation; b) any implantable stimulator such as demand pacemakers or defibrillators; and c) valvular heart disease including artificial valves (due to risk of infection and endocarditis)

likely non-compliance factors such as distance from the center, inadequate social support, or psychiatric/psychologic factors

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01123382

Locations

United States, Ohio

MetroHealth Medical Center

Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44109

Sponsors and Collaborators

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)